Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has informed European Union leaders that he wishes to delay any decision on extending sanctions against Russia until after the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. This development, reported by Bloomberg, highlights growing tensions within the EU over maintaining unity on its approach to Russia.
The EU has imposed 15 sanction packages on Moscow since its invasion of Ukraine, which must be renewed every six months. The next extension is due by the end of January, just 11 days after Trump is set to take office. Typically, the renewal of sanctions has been a routine decision, with political agreement reached at the EU’s final summit of the year. However, the process requires unanimous support from all 27 member states.
At the conclusion of a one-day EU summit on Thursday, Orbán reportedly surprised fellow leaders by stating he was not prepared to move forward with the sanctions renewal. According to sources familiar with the matter, this unexpected stance has heightened concerns among EU leaders about Orbán’s potential alignment with Trump, possibly undermining European unity on financial and military support for Ukraine.
A History of Obstruction
Orbán’s position is consistent with his previous actions, which have often posed challenges to EU measures targeting Russia or assisting Ukraine. He has previously vetoed initiatives aimed at intensifying punitive measures against Moscow or bolstering Kyiv’s position. Notably, Orbán is a close ally of Trump and visited him in Florida earlier this month, underscoring their shared political alignment.
The timing of Orbán’s remarks and his opposition to immediate sanctions renewal have added to apprehensions within the EU. His stance reflects broader divisions within the bloc over its response to the war in Ukraine and raises questions about whether Hungary might leverage its position to secure concessions or support Trump’s foreign policy goals.
Strained Relations With Ukraine
The announcement comes amidst worsening relations between Kyiv and Budapest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Orbán’s recent efforts to position himself as a mediator in the conflict. Last week, Orbán called Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequently proposed a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange. According to Orbán, this offer was rejected by Ukraine—a claim that Kyiv has not confirmed.
President Zelensky responded dismissively to Orbán’s proposal, questioning its sincerity.
Implications for EU Unity
Orbán’s stance exposes divisions in the EU’s approach to the war in Ukraine, as he balances Hungary’s EU obligations with ties to Moscow. His opposition to sanctions renewal risks delaying decisions and undermining the bloc’s unity in countering Russian aggression.
With Trump’s inauguration in January, EU leaders face added uncertainty. Orbán’s alignment with Trump could challenge the EU’s ability to maintain a unified stance on sanctions and support for Ukraine. Addressing these concerns will be critical to preserving the EU’s cohesion and commitment to its principles.
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